Rugby
Carter handed tackle ban
2009-11-10 14:32
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London - New Zealand flyhalf Dan Carter is set to miss the All Blacks' Test match against Italy on Saturday after being banned for one week on Tuesday for a high tackle on Wales scrumhalf Martin Roberts.
VIDEO: Dan Carter's Tackle
Carter, who can appeal, is free to resume playing on November 17 - well in time to be available for New Zealand's November 21 international against England at Twickenham.
The All Blacks playmaker was cited for a dangerous tackle on Roberts during New Zealand's 19-12 victory at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.
Man-of-the-match Carter escaped censure from referee Craig Joubert but Wales' Kiwi coach Warren Gatland was adamant he deserved at least a yellow card, which would have seen the playmaker sent to the sin-bin for 10 minutes.
New Zealand are currently preparing for this coming Saturday's Test against Italy in Milan where Carter, who has been struggling with a calf injury, may well have been rested in any event.
After a hearing in London before Judge Jeff Blackett, the International Rugby Board's judicial officer for the match, a statement issued on behalf of the English official said: "Daniel Carter acknowledged responsibility, and had already apologised for, his high tackle on Martin Roberts, Wales's replacement scrumhalf.
"The sanction of one week reflected the low entry point in the IRB's table of sanctions for the offence, together with the maximum allowance for the mitigating factors involved."
